addictions and the human toll

compulsivity, continuation despite consequences, and obsession are three criteria which have been put forth by researchers to define this condition. individuals afflicted may suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, narcissistic or histrionic personality disorders, or manic-depressiveness.

patrick carnes laid out the following four steps to sexual addiction (source wikipedia):

“I am basically a bad, unworthy person.”

“No one would love me as I am.”

“My needs are never going to be met if I have to depend on others.”

“Sex is my most important need.”

the behavior is commonly brought on by unresolved feelings of shame, anger or unresolved conflict. this ritualized, life-interrupting need for sexual conquest is an attempt to resolve these feelings in an unhealthy way.